At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show this week, Mazda finally made its new logo official. It’s been a long time coming, considering the trademark filing first surfaced over a year ago. As initially believed, this is indeed a subtle evolution of the symbol introduced in 1997. We’ve actually seen it before on a production model, as the EZ-60 crossover sold in China features the discreetly tweaked winged M.
In line with other brands such as Volkswagen and BMW, Mazda is opting for a cleaner, flatter look it believes will be more digital-friendly. The minimalist approach is described as “sleek and bold,” improving visibility online. The new logo does look sharper, but some would argue that it lacks the depth of the previous version. While the wings remain, they’re noticeably less pronounced.
There’s more to the corporate image update than the stylized M. As seen on some of Mazda’s latest models, the badge is joined by a new wordmark. The 2026 CX-5 features a sleek “Mazda” script on the tailgate and steering wheel while retaining the traditional emblem on the front grille. Similarly, China’s EZ-60 adopts this change, and the EZ-6 (called the 6e in other markets) also carries the wordmark, albeit only at the rear.
When we asked how the rollout would unfold, Mazda told us that the initial focus would be on the digital space. The company has yet to decide whether existing models will transition, but future ones will gradually adopt the new graphics. According to Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations:
‘The new version is optimized to enhance visibility in digital media. Both the current and new brand marks will be used in appropriate contexts, including co-branded or joint venture communications. We will use the new brand symbol and word mark in various promotions, mainly digital, starting with the new CX-5 . In addition, we will gradually apply it to websites in each market to improve digital visibility.
The new mark has been already applied to the MAZDA EZ-60, and the all-new CX-5 has partially adopted it. We plan to introduce it to future new models subsequently. Regarding application to current models, nothing has been decided at this time.’
It’s also worth noting that Mazda’s Vision X-Coupe and X-Compact concepts, currently on display at the Japan Mobility Show, feature the revised wordmark on the rear and the steering wheel. The pair previews the next evolution of the brand’s Kodo design language, first introduced with the 2010 Shinari concept.
The X-Compact is likely a look into the future of the Mazda2, while the Vision X-Coupe is another glimpse into a rotary sports car that may or may not arrive one day. While an RX revival is a definite maybe, at least we know a new Miata is planned.
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